A NEW initiative which aims to support creative enterprises and further social causes in Stourbridge will take a step forward with the launch of a new pop-up shop this weekend.

Eddy Morton, owner of Katie Fitzgeralds, and Anthony Hughes, creative and cultural heritage consultant, who both live in Stourbridge and are both directors of the community interest company Stourbridge Community Development Trust, are behind the initiative which they hope will establish the right conditions for future creatives to settle in Stourbridge and make a creative cluster.

On Saturday November 24 they will be launching a new Made in Stourbridge pop-up shop which will be open in the Ryemarket throughout the Christmas period until early in the new year.

The shop will provide a platform for artists working in applied and fine art, ceramics and metalwork as well as musicians, authors and sculptors.

The public facing space will give them a chance to display and sell their work as well as providing a platform other creatives to visit and engage with the network and get involved in future initiatives.

Eddy said: “We are building a hub for the towns creatives who are all out there, designing and producing amazing work.

“Often they have to work away from Stourbridge and take their skills and creativity out of the town. We want to create the right conditions for them to flourish here in Stourbridge, create a sense of pride and a strong vibrant creative economy through support of local residents who can come in, look around and will be able to buy pieces.”

Anthony Hughes is committed to building on the town's heritage and identity and he said: "Stourbridge has always been at the centre of collaboration between the artisan and industry.

"Its world class industrial heritage was founded on the historical intersection between those creative practices and manufacturing, which saw the town grow, whether that be glass, metalworking artist creators, writers or musicians and this is still something that's true of Stourbridge today.

"There are challenges and many creative practitioners have taken their skills out of the town or need to commute for work.

“However, over the years, a lack of investment, opportunities for creative industries and the failing economy has hit Stourbridge hard. This is phase one of many programs aimed at investment through creative industries, as a catalyst for economic regeneration for Stourbridge and its world-class reputation.”

To find out more about Made in Stourbridge people can email info@stourbridgecommunitydevelopmenttrust.co.uk or pop into the shop, or search Made in Stourbridge on Facebook.